Los Angeles (E! Online) – The Rev. Al Sharpton thinks Michael Jackson deserves being honored commensurate with his star status. That means a postage stamp, a national day of mourning—and deferential treatment from the media.

In advance of Tuesday's memorial, Sharpton appearing Sunday as a guest speaker at Los Angeles' First AME church, announcing to parishoners that he would would push for a commemorative Jackson stamp, and a waiver of the U.S. Postal Service's usual five-year waiting post-death period. (The only exception so far has been for late presidents.)

Sharpton also took issue with how certain press outlets have covered Jackson's death, saying there was a "disrespectful double standard" between the "Thriller" singer and other fallen icons such as Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley.

"I'm here because of the disgraceful and the despicable way [the media] is trying to destroy the legacy [of Jackson]," Sharpton said.

"You have had other entertainers that have had issues in their life; you [the media] did not degrade and denigrate them."

Sharpton called upon the media to show respect during the family's time of mourning. "Michael was no freak," he said. "He was a genius."

"We want love. That's what Michael Jackson sang about," Sharpton said. "Let's talk about love. Let the media deal with the mess, while we deal with the message."

As for Jackson's family, Sharpton said he had seen Jackson's children earlier in the weekend and "they are fine."

And, he added, Tuesday's memorial will "celebrate Michael's life and will effect all nations, all nationalities and all religions."